Dreaded Shopping

November 18, 2013

A large grey bin, computer laptop box, three oversized cloth bags and a paper shopping bag were loaded into my vehicle to be taken to the consignment store. An hour later, after browsing and discovering fuzzy and practical winter boots, two cardigan sweaters and a blazer she couldn’t pass-up, the damage at the register was over $30 since the lame clerk only took 13 items from the hoard. Discouraging consignment store unload turned shopping trip. Hit the Byerly’s deli for comfort. Although the salads look tasty and luscious in the case, it became another reason to sob in a dispiriting fashion. The plastic covering doesn’t fit properly over the hanging blinds and that becomes still another turned-down mouth reaction. It is difficult to be a mom, to shower the big kid in hugs and a cheerful manner is not enough. Instead, we make a list for Thanksgiving sides and plan our own delicious dishes and sweets.

A young woman is hailing the bus from the windy corner. She has a red-tipped nose, light jacket billowing in the breeze, a paper bag in one hand and broken-strappy purse in the other. I voice my gratitude for a car, winter coat that buttons, gloves, food in my stomach and a youthful, smart, cunning, frugal, discouraged and sassy daughter sitting next to me. Life is grand.